Leaving School

When Are Young People Allowed to Leave School?

There is a single date when young people can leave school and take a full time job. A young person reaches the end of compulsory school age on the last Friday in June in the school year during which he/she becomes 16. This law applies to everyone in school, even those who reach their 16th birthday before this date.

When you reach 16, you will not require a work permit after the school leaving date.

What Types of Work Can Young People be Employed in?

When I am 13:

I may not be employed except in light work in one or more of the following specified categories:

Agricultural or horticultural work
Delivery of newspapers
Shop work
Hairdressing salons
Office work
Car washing by hand in a private residential setting
In a cafe or restaurant
In a riding stables
Domestic work in hotels and other establishments offering accommodation.

When I am 14 and Over:

I may be employed only in light work in all the occupations listed above and others, which may be subject to the bylaws.

What Hours Can a Young Person Work While Still at School?

While children are at school, there are very clear rules on how many hours a child can work, depending on their age. These rules, set out below, are regulated by the Education Welfare Service.

The Law Says:

That if I work, the following rules apply until I reach school leaving age. An application form signed by my parents and employer should be completed and sent to the address below before I start working.

When I am 13 and 14:

I can work on...	For the following hours...
School days:	Not more than a total of two hours in one day during the following periods:- a) in the morning from 7am to half an hour before school starts b) in the evening between close of school and 7pm
Saturdays:	5 hours a day between 7am – 7pm
Sundays:	Only 2 hours between 7am - 7pm
During School Term:	Totals worked each week MUST NOT EXCEED 12 HOURS
School Holidays:	5 hours on any weekday (except Sundays): 7am – 7pm. But totals worked each week MUST NOT EXCEED 25 HOURS

When I am 15 and 16:

I can work on...	For the following hours...
School days:	Not more than a total of two hours in one day during the following periods: a) in the morning from 7am to half an hour before school starts b) in the evening between close of school and 7pm.
Saturdays:	8 hours a day between 7am – 7pm
Sundays:	Only 2 hours between 7am and 7pm
During School Term:	Totals worked each week MUST NOT EXCEED 12 HOURS
School Holidays:	8 hours a day on any weekday (except Sundays) between 7am and 7pm. But totals worked each week MUST NOT EXCEED 35 HOURS